Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State may have seen recent polling on Irish people's views on the EU. Certainly, they are at historically low levels, due in no small part to what is now almost a cliché, that is, the bureaucratic stranglehold that Brussels has on every single aspect of our lives, particularly agriculture. There is a level of intrusion and often just plain stupidity that is simply eye-watering. Only yesterday, the ICMSA characterised the European Commission's proposals to simplify the CAP as unconvincing, and while they may involve some minor changes or improvements for some farmers, the overall regulatory tide shows no sign of easing.

Let us be clear, in that the CAP is not fit for purpose. It is a one-size-fits-all policy designed in Brussels, far removed from the realities of farm life while leaving Irish farmers drowning in paperwork, compliance costs and regulations that seem to change with the wind. The figures speak for themselves. In 2023, the average Irish family farm income was just €31,000. For many small farms, it is far less. Input costs - fertiliser, feed and fuel - have all skyrocketed, and are up 40% since 2020 while CAP payments have barely budged.

What about the young farmers, the next generation who we are supposed to be encouraging? The CAP's young farmers scheme is a drop in the ocean. As I understand it, the current funding for the CAP young farmers scheme, specifically the complimentary income support for young farmers under the 2023-27 CAP strategic plan, is mandated at a minimum of 3% of each EU country's direct payments budget. This is an increase of just 1% from the 2014-20 period, where national authorities were required to allocate up to 2% of their income support funding for the young farmer payment. Is it any wonder that young farmers say they do not believe that EU rhetoric matches the reality of the crisis?

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